Category Archives: Obituaries

Yvonne (Vonnie) Leetch 86, of Winner, SD, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 at the Lake Andes Health Care Center in Lake Andes, SD after a hard battle with dementia.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday Nov. 6 at 11 am.  The funeral service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church with a burial to follow in the Winner Cemetery.

Yvonne was born May 8, 1938 in Colome, SD, to Charlie and Olga (Foyert) Rice. Growing up the family lived on many different farms. They would have card parties on Saturday nights.

Yvonne married William Leech on April 15, 1957.  They were not blessed with children, but they were certainly blessed with a very large extended family of siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and numerous friends!

Like her siblings, Vonnie enjoyed spending time visiting, play cards, and dining with her family and friends. In the summer she loved to go camping and fishing. She loved her trips with her brothers and sisters to the casino.

She is survived by a sister, Connie Luther and a brother, Gene (Twila) Rice, both of Winner, SD; one stepdaughter Lil (Joe) Cardona of Goleta, CA; a step granddaughter Alex of Goleta, CA; and numerous nephews and nieces who she loved dearly, as well as a very special friend Lori Gebhardt of Rapid City, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Leetch, five sisters, Julia Johnson, Claradean Rice, Josephene Rice, Lilly Long, and Sylvia Horton; two brothers, Clyde Rice and John Rice; four brothers in law, Gaylord Long, Teddy Fisher, Maynord Johnson, and Don Luther; two sisters in law, Betty Rice, and Grace (Shorty) Rice; a niece, Linda Fisher; and her parents Charles and Olga Rice.

 May she now rest in eternal sunshine and perfect love with our Lord. May she now be forever young.

Roger Allen Best, 87 years old, of Brandon, South Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at the Bethany Home of Brandon.

Family and friends  gathered for a Celebration of Life  at Emmanuel Baptist Church (1600 East Twelfth Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota), on Friday, Sept. 20.  The interment of ashes took place at Hills of Rest Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Roger may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church for donation to the Camp Judson Capital Campaign for a new Roger Williams Lodge or directly to the Alzheimer’s Association of South Dakota. Visit www.georgeboom.com

Roger was born on Nov. 26, 1936, to Elmer and Leona (Burtz) Best.  He grew up on the family farm in the Keyapaha Valley in Tripp County, South Dakota, graduating from Winner High School.  (He identified himself as a graduate of the “School of Hard Knocks.”) Roger married Fern Arlene Moore of Kennebec, South Dakota, on Dec. 5, 1959.  The couple lived in various West and East River communities in South Dakota, spending their longest and final residence in Brandon.  Roger and Fern’s marriage lasted 63 years before they were parted by Fern’s death in August 2023.

Roger worked for the Metz Baking Company for more than three decades, rising from route salesman to the manager of the Watertown sweet roll plant.  After the baking business, Roger sold furniture at the South Dakota Furniture Company, then managed a car wash in Brandon with an above-and-beyond devotion to duty so typical of his work ethic.

Roger had a dry sense of humor that would land zingers with precision as well as being quite a hand at telling a story.  Despite the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, he would occasionally surprise you and make you laugh with a witty comment.  This is no doubt part of the reason nursing staff members liked having him on their floors.  On many occasions he gave knowledgeable assistance with motor vehicles.  In younger days, he enjoyed hunting.  In older days, he thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren, indulging their whims and being a seemingly limitless source of gum.

As a youth Roger received believer’s baptism and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he served the Savior in many ways, including as our moderator.  The church’s S.A.G.E. group took fall excursions to our regional camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota (Camp Judson) with Roger as their driver.  Those were good times.

Roger is survived by his three children Brett (wife Kary) Best, Lisa Dawley, and Brian Best, beloved nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Mary Best.  Roger and Fern’s family has been blessed by the addition of eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, brother Eugene, sister Audrey (husband Leonard) Hajek, and maternal parents Lewie and Leola Moore.

Barbara Ann Berens passed away on Aug. 3 in Phoenix Az.

Barbara was born on Oct. 29, 1947 in Gregory, SD. to Nicholas and Bernice Berens. She moved to Winner in 1949 when her parents purchased the Five Spot Cafe. Barbara attended St. Mary’s school graduating in 1961. She then attended Winner High School graduating in 1965. She spent many hours during her high school days working at the Five Spot.

Barbara attended St. John’s McNamara School of Nursing in Rapid City, graduating in 1967. After graduation, she moved to Phoenix, AZ to accept a job with St. Joseph’s Hospital. She worked there until her retirement.

Barbara loved dogs and had as many as 5 at one time. She also enjoyed sewing. During the Covid pandemic she spent much time sewing masks.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents and her grandparents. She is survived by her brother Richard and his wife Marilyn, and numerous first and second cousins.

Funeral services for Myrna Rae Beauchamp will be held Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Knoll crest Cemetery in Naper, Neb.

Myrna Rae (Gosch) Beauchamp was born Oct. 15, 1937 in the Burke Hospital to Corneilius and Anna (Ludemann) Gosch. She died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 in Bormann Manor, Parkston SD at the age of 86.

She grew up on the family farm west of Naper, NE and attended rural school District #60. She graduated from Naper High School in 1955 and attended Wayne State, earning a 3-month teaching certificate. She taught rural schools for four years in the Boyd County area.

While growing up, the family attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jameson NE. She was baptized and confirmed there.

On Aug. 21, 1959 she married Donald Beauchamp and moved to the farm north of Herrick, SD. They later divorced in 1993.

Myrna was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening and canning and freezing what she grew. She loved to work on embroidery projects, often times placing her creations in a wooden hoop. Who could forget receiving one of these creations made specially for them, stitched with love to honor a special occasion in their life? Through the years she held several jobs, including waitressing, cooking at the local hospital, home health care; and her favorite: being a paraprofessional in the Burke School District. She was selected to be homecoming parade marshal the year she retired. This was a great honor for her.

Myrna supported everything in her home communities of Burke, Herrick, and Naper. Attending sporting events of every kind, the Burke Stampede, the Senior Center, volunteering at the Rumage Center, or helping at church kept her busy. If there was something going on in the area, she was probably there. Being involved in the Herrick Legion Auxiliary and Rosebud Rancherettes was truly a passion for her and she was a lifetime member of both organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a special friend Jim Rue; brothers-John and wife Irene Gosch, and Albert Gosch; sisters-Elva and husband Al Nicolaus, Betty and husband Ervin Schochenmaier; nephews, Stanley Nicolaus, and David Gosch and a niece, Mary Lee Podhrasky.

She is survived by her four children; Kristie and husband Terry Leischner and Ralph of Parkston, Neil and wife Laurie of Winner, and Brian of Atlanta, GA. There  are five grandchildren, Michael Leischner, Jenaya Brengle, Darcy Muller , Tyler Beauchamp and Paige Stewart. There are nine great-grandchildren. 

May Myrna be remembered as a woman who loved her Lord, her family and community.

Allen Lee passed away at home on July 1, 2024 following a quiet, determined battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Hayti Fire Hall. 

Allen was born to Curtis and Leuella Lee on June 18, 1951 at Watertown SD.  He grew up on the family farm near Hayti and attended school in Hayti.  He graduated from Winner High School after the family moved to Winner.

Following graduation, he began his truck driving career and worked road construction for Carlson Construction in Winner.  He returned to farming with his dad near Witten, SD, where he met and married Candy Farris.  They were blessed with a son, James Edward and a daughter, Jessica Lynn.

Allen eventually left farming and returned to full time trucking until he retired back to Hayti.  Not being able to give up driving or farming, Allen drove school bus for Hamlin School District and helped area farmers with field work and harvest until his health started to fail.

Hunting and target shooting were his pastimes and passions.  He spent hours reloading ammunition.  Every day was a good day if he could drive the backroads around Hayti in his side by side.  A day out hunting with a good friend only made life that much better.

Family was important to Allen.  He frequently called to visit and check on family members and friends far and near.  Particularly his kids and grandkids were the focus of attention.  Ensuring they were doing well, safe and loved. 

Allen will be missed and is survived by his son, Jim, Becca, Matthew and Nora; daughter, Jessica, Landon, Eislyn; sisters Deanna(Ken) Schmidt, Debby(Bob) Jensen and  Kim(Doug) Vogt.  He is also survived by a special nephew, Jon (Julie)Schmidt, as well as nieces and nephew, Becky, Jenny, Ben and Kate Schmidt.  Maverick and Wesley, his two beloved fur babies also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Milo (Babe) Russell Klein, Jr., 67, of Gregory, SD, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024, under the compassionate care of the staff at Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD.  A prayer service was held Wednesday evening, July 10, at 7 p.m.  with visitation one hour prior to the service. Funeral services was  Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.  All services were held at the Burke Civic Center.

Milo Russell Klein, Jr. was born Feb. 25, 1957, to Milo O. and Mary Katherine (Carr) Klein in Lexington, NE.  After a few years in Lexington, NE, Milo returned with his family to Burke, SD, where he attended country school and graduated from Burke High School in 1975. In high school, Milo excelled in track and football and participated in the state track meet all four years of his high school career. He was a place winner at the state track meet three years.  Milo was honored at the Burke High School Meet of Legends as a 2022 inductee. After graduating from high school, though Milo had an offer to play football for the University of South Dakota, he chose to begin a five-year career with Sperry New Holland in Lexington, NE. While working at Sperry New Holland, Milo met Patricia Faye Deibert, and they were married May 10, 1980. Pat brought to the marriage, two sons, Michael John and Matthew David Dorsey, who Milo loved as his own. Milo and Pat went on to have a daughter, Elizabeth Faye (Lizzy) and a son, Simon Russell.

In 1983, Milo and Pat achieved their life long dream of owning their own ranch when they were able to purchase land just outside of Gregory. When Milo and Pat purchased the ranch, Farm Service Agency advised them that they would either need to milk cows or raise pigs. Milo had never milked a cow in his life and had no desire to raise pigs, so he took the lesser of two evils and together they grew a dairy operation to become the top producing dairy herd in the region, achieving many awards for their dairy production. After many years, Milo and Pat were able to say good-bye to the dairy cows and begin their next adventure of custom haying. Milo and Pat built a well-respected custom haying business that provided their livelihood for many years and produced lifelong friends. Milo and Pat began their farming and ranching career which they continued together until Pat was tragically taken on March 13, 2004.  Milo’s hard work and dedication in the farming and ranching business produced state yield winning contests in soybeans and 300-bushel acre corn.  Milo also started a commercial Angus bull business, known as Magic Mountain Angus, selling top quality bulls throughout the region. Milo was so proud of all he accomplished in his farming and ranching career. 

Milo met Sharon Kueter, and they were married on Dec. 22, 2007.  Sharon loved and embraced Milo’s family and the ranch. Sharon and Milo enjoyed playing cards with friends, leisurely drives through the countryside, ordering take-out and watching the grandchildren’s events via livestream. Milo held a deep respect for his parents, and his children carried that same respect for Milo. Milo’s biggest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren, and he loved to watch and cheer them on in sports, fine arts, hunting, demolition derby, or wherever their passion took them. Milo was a loving and kind son, father, husband, brother, papa, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

As with everything in his life, Milo fought hard when diagnosed with cancer in 2011.  He died peacefully with his family by his side.

Milo was preceded in death by his first wife, Pat, his infant brother, his grandparents, Simon and Emma Klein, Bob Carr and Elizabeth Carr.

 Milo is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughter Lizzy (Braden) Hutchison; sons Simon (Melissa) Klein, Matt (Alison Newcomer) and Michael (Nicki) Dorsey; his parents Milo O. and Kathy Klein; his sisters Tammy (Jan) Miller and Jeanette (Kelly) Frank; grandchildren: Ashley, Madi, Enoch, Hunter, Madelyn, Makayla, Hadley, Sawyer, Brecken, Breven, Brennen, James, Lily and Violet; and great grandchildren: Emma, Olivia, Riley, Vellia, Kaydon, Addalynn, Aura, and Amari.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the family.

George Fairbanks Jr., 89, of White River, SD passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 at his residence in White River, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11a.m. at the White River Events Center in White River, SD. Burial will follow in the White River Cemetery. Visitation was  held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the White River United Methodist Church in White River, SD.

George Fairbanks Jr. was born June 7, 1935, in Venus Nebraska at the Butterfield farm house to George N and Emyra (Beggs) Fairbanks.  He began his young life in Nebraska before moving to Witten South Dakota with his dad and step mother Gula.  As an eighth grader his family moved to Colome.  In this move George drove a team of horses and a wagon loaded with their belongings. Prior to his junior year of high school his family moved to Springview, Neb., where he attended high school.  While living in Springview George worked with his dad learning the carpentry trade. He built houses and became a skilled carpenter. He also learned the trade of being a lineman for a telephone company where he worked on high line poles.

Sports were a part of George’s young life. As a young boy he played baseball. Athletic talent came natural to him. At the urging of the players, his father had to sign permission for him to play on the adult team, where he would become a talented pitcher. He played football in high school and received the award of co-captain his junior year.

In 1951 he met the love of his life, Delpha Boyd.  They quickly became high school sweethearts and this began a journey that lasted seventy-three years. Seventy-one of these united as husband and wife. They were married on Jan. 31, 1953 in Yankton, South Dakota.

After marriage, George worked as a hired hand for an area farmer. During this time their oldest son was born.

When their oldest son was just six weeks old, George and Delpha moved to the Jack and Betty Carr Ranch near Cedar Butte, South Dakota, where they spent the next eight years working as a ranch hand. During this time, another son and the oldest daughter were born.

In 1961, George was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of operating his own ranch five miles north of Cedar Butte. He started out by running a cow calf operation, which soon led to his true passion of buying lightweight calves, and selling them as quality yearling cattle. George also found joy in farming where he loved working the land. Delpha worked alongside him as his true partner. George was blessed to continue this passion up until his passing. It was on this ranch that their youngest daughter was born.

George had a love for horses as a part of ranching which led their children into the world of rodeo. This later turned into being the timed event chute boss at all local White River rodeos. In 1994 he was awarded a buckle for 30 years of service as the timed event chute boss for Frontier Days. After his time as the timed event chute boss, he moved to the stripping chute where he worked until his passing. In 1999 he was also awarded a plaque for his dedicated years of service to the Frontier Days Rodeo.

One thing he will be remembered for was his time spent at Presho and Winner Livestock Auctions.  Most Thursdays and Fridays of his ranching life were spent at these two places. It was there that he met many of his lifelong friends who shared stories of the ranching life.

He will also be remembered for his faith in the Good Lord and his loving and generous heart.

George is survived by his wife Delpha of 71 years, his son Merlon (Kathy) Fairbanks of Burke, daughter LeAnna (Calvin Waln) of White River and daughter Betty Fairbanks of White River; eight grandchildren Marcy Fairbanks, Tucker (Stacy) Green, Tyler (Stacey) Green, Jeannie (Bret) Clark, Sid (Aaron Storms) Green, Sloan Benedict, Slade (Baylie Hoffine) Benedict, Trinity Benedict; great grandchildren Wyatt (Taylor) Green, Clayton (Kaylee) Green, Philip, AJ, Millie & Alex Green, Lane Green, Kaylee Clark, Kolter (Cailyn) Clark, Sydnee Green, Kane & Jerrah-Mya Waln; great-great grandchildren Amira, Ashlyn, Aubrey, Wilder, Paislee, Parker; brother Johnny Boham & sisters Edna Orsborn & Betty Menning; in-laws Delbert (Wilma) Boyd, DeAnne Vaughn, Dorene Boyd, Della (Gary) Boyd, Louise Boyd, & brother in law Larry Worth.

George was preceded in death by his parents George & Emyra, his parents in-law Merlon & Irene Boyd, his brothers Ray & George and sister Marion, Sister-in-laws Dea, Dixie & Pat, brother in-laws Dwayne & Ray and great grandson Ty Christopher.

The beauty of George’s life is reflected in his family. We are forever grateful for the impact he has left on each of us.  Forever loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the family to be used for a rodeo scholarship or memorial contributions be sent to the Ronald McDonald House.

Harold Hrabanek, 91, of Winner, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2 p.m.  at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held one hour prior to funeral service.

Harold George Hrabanek was born to Frank and Jessie (Johnson) Hrabanek on Oct. 31, 1932 at his aunt and uncle Reinhold Woidnecks home in Winner, SD.  He joined a sister, Hazel and a cousin Jessie Storm whom his parents were raising on the family farm south of Colome.

Harold attended Grand Valley and Chleboun Rural Schools.  He went to high school in Colome for 2 years staying in the dorm.  He then transferred to Winner for 2 years so he could take shop class from a favorite teacher, Bill Britton.  Harold built a row boat and a farm wagon, giving him his love of carpentry.  He graduated in 1950 with 58 classmates.

Harold then helped on the family farm until he volunteered for the Army in 1953 until 1955.  He spent time in Germany where he acquired a lifelong friend, Mike Linz of Pennsylvania.  Harold was honorably discharged as a corporal.  He then returned to the family farm.  He met Lorraine Keever at a square dance at the Turtle Butte Hall.  They were married Nov. 2, 1957.  They were blessed with 3 sons.

Harold served on the school board for many years, was treasurer of the St. Paul’s Church, treasurer of Lake township and served on many positions in the Colome Legion, most as sergeant of arms for color guard.

After retiring and moving to Winner, he pursued his love of carpentry, building lazy susans, toy boxes from baby cribs, frames and several items for their own home.  Harold volunteered driving the Veterans van, he drove for Frontier Motors delivering or procuring cars.  He and his wife Lorraine enjoyed many bus tours with friends, playing cards, attending Legion meetings, having coffee with friends at McDonalds until Covid hit.

Harold’s health started to fail the last two years.  He lived at his home in Winner until May 2024, when he entered the Winner Long Term Care Center.

Harold is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine; Ken (Kathy) of Colome, SD, Jerry (Paula) of Winner, SD, Jeff of Winner, SD; four grandchildren Chase (Shelby), Taylor (special friend Jesse Heese), Kristen (Duane) Wetzel, and Jake Hrabanek (special friend Kylie Burket); 5 great-grandchildren, 1 bother-in-law Stan (Linda) Keever, and many nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Jesse Hrabanek and his sister Hazel Sondergard.